The white Mercedes sprinter van was targeted between the hours of 10.30pm on Tuesday 10 May and 11am on Friday 13 May when it was left parked at the side of Blackpool Road in Ribbleton.

The gold swing is worth around £2,000 and is used at Asian wedding celebrations. It was stolen alongside several other items including an ornamental drum, heavy duty fairy lights, candles, brightly coloured fabric and a grey and yellow tool box.

Preston Vehicle Crime Officer PC Paul Brookes said: “The property stolen, especially the swing is very large and it is likely the offenders could only carry it a short distance so it is possible a vehicle was used.

“I would urge anybody with any information about this theft or the whereabouts of these items to contact police on 01772 203203 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”.